Uptick in parvo cases locally spurs KCAS to start protocol

Citing an uptick in the number of local cases of canine parvovirus, commonly known as “parvo”, Kerr County Animal Services has implemented a new protocol for disease control at the local animal control facility.

“We decided we needed to respond quickly and put in some measures to further protect animals coming into and leaving our facility,” said KCAS Director Reagan Givens. “And, we want everyone to be aware of this issue and be careful with their actions.”

The first step in the line of defense against this disease is locking the front door of the county owned and operated Kerr County Animal Services Animal Control facility, located at 3600 Loop 534 in Kerrville. “When visiting in person, you will need to call when you arrive so that a staff member can let you in and assist you,” Givens said.

Additionally, “We are requiring, to the best of our ability, everyone who enters the facility to dip the soles of their shoes in a footbath of disinfectant solution, so as to prevent them bringing parvo and/or any other contagious disease into the facility,” Givens said. The same procedure also will help prevent any contagions from leaving the facility and being transmitted back home to other household pets, he added.

“We ask that the public refrain from picking up stray animals,” he said. “Instead, call us at 830-257-3100, and we will send an animal control officer to pick up the stray when one is found.”

“Overall, we want local residents to limit contact with unknown animals they encounter. Contact a veterinarian if you suspect your pet is sick,” Givens said.

Parvo

Canine parvovirus is a highly contagious virus afflicting dogs. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, it is spread from dog to dog by direct or indirect contact with their feces or contact with virus-contaminated surfaces, such as kennels, food and water bowls, collars and leashes and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs. The virus can survive in heat, cold, humidity and dry conditions for long periods. Even trace amounts can contain the virus and infect other dogs.

“This makes proper disinfection practices critical, which is why we implemented the new protocol at the animal control facility,” Givens said.

Vaccines can prevent this infection, but mortality can reach 91 percent in untreated cases.

There are several strains of parvo, but they all produce similar symptoms, including any or all of the following: lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, severe and often bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating, fever or low body temperature (hypothermia).

All dogs are susceptible to parvo, although some are at greater risk than others. These include puppies between six and 20 weeks of age, unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated dogs and certain breeds.

“If your pet shows any of the above mentioned signs, please isolate them from any other pets and immediately seek the care of a veterinarian,” Givens said. As noted by the AVMA, persistent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and damage to the intestines and immune system, which can cause septic shock. That can lead to death, with most deaths occurring 48 to 72 hours after symptoms first appear.